HOLIDAY IDEAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, INCLUDING THE DOG
Pack up your family and your dog for a coastal road trip with endless sand, surf and sunset views. It’s easy to combine the region’s top wineries and cellar doors, gourmet food stores, comfy stays and stunning waterside scenery in the company of your four-legged friend.
Take advantage of this quieter season to stay in our family and pet friendly accommodation. You may need to add a few layers, but don’t let the cooler temperatures keep you indoors. The Mornington Peninsula has so much to offer at all times of the year and Winter is not an exception. There are no shortage of activities for all of the family and your dog to enjoy. Holiday Shacks has a variety of pet-friendly accommodation with plenty of space for your dog to roam freely and safely.
Here are a few of our favourite things to do on a doggie day out.
DOG FRIENDLY BEACHES
Let your dog chase seagulls and splash about as the waves roll in. These are our favourite dog-friendly beaches. Restrictions may apply from December to March (high season)
Fossil Beach, Mornington
Hawker Beach – Mount Martha
Tassells Cove – Safety Beach
Camerons Bight Dog Off Leash Area
DOG FRIENDLY WALKING tRAILS
Millionaires Walk – Sorrento
Luckily you don’t need that kind of cash to experience the dramatic coastline on this cliff-top walk between Portsea and Sorrento. A perfect post-breakfast trail for dogs and dog-lovers alike; 3km return.
Red Hill Rail Trail
The old railway line between Merricks and Red Hill used to carry fresh apples on to Hastings where they were sent on to the markets of Melbourne. There are no trains running now, but you can walk this pretty trail for yourself. There are lovely views over Western Port and great coffee/wine/sustenance at either end. This is a shared trail for walkers, mountain bike riders and horse riders so be aware of your fellow travellers along the trail.
The starting point is at Merricks to the north side of the Station Ground Recreation Reserve. The trail climbs steadily for two kilometres providing good views over Western Port to Philip Island the Nobbies. After a sharp right turn, the trail continues down the steep hill to the end of Tonkins Road. The trail then continues to the left on the original railways easement and ascends more gently to Red Hill, first through pine trees (look for colourful fungi in autumn), then two small cuttings. More Information
Flinders Beach Dog Friendly Walk
Immerse yourself in the beautiful country town of Flinders. This walk combines gorgeous scenery, a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere and kilometres of leash-free dog beach equipped with vibrant rock pools to bring you what I call my favourite walk. More Information
PURRRFECT SPOTS fOR a PUPPOCINO OR EVEN HAIR OF THE DOG
1. Miss Drew’s Bakery and Dog Cafe
Treat your hound to a pup-cake and a drink at this dog-centric cafe in Tyabb. Grab your own snack from Red Rattler Train Cafe opposite, then laze with your pooch on the grass.
2. Green Olive at Red Hill
Take time for tapas and a glass of wine in the sun at this working farm with breathe-easy views over the vineyards and dam. Furry friends fit in fine at this pet-friendly spot.
3. The Epicurean Red Hill
Stock up on gourmet goods in the Epicurean store, then order pizza, risotto or cheese from the casual lunch menu. Dine al fresco so your four-legged companion won’t miss out.
4. Tucks
Settle back on a lawn chair for cocktails with views over rolling vineyards – order by the jug if you’re sharing. Your dog may not be able to partake, but they’ll love the bucolic Red Hill setting.
5. Morgan’s Beach Shack
See out the night under a striped umbrella on the Sorrento Esplanade. This simple spot delivers perfect water views, cocktails and everyone’s – and every pet’s –favourite fish and chips.
6. Mr Morce
Rise and shine, pets and all. Get into gear in Sorrento with locally brewed Little Rebel coffee, eggs, avo, bacon or house-smoked trout. Outdoor seating. Dogs welcome.
7. Mock Red Hill
Worked up a thirst on your coastal walk? Hit the cellar door at Mock Red Hill for refreshing biodynamic apple cider tastings from orchard-grown fruit.
8. Paradigm Hill
Sample fine wines at Paradigm Hill cellar door. The timber deck at this family-run winery is the ideal spot for encouragement from your curious pet as you further your expertise.
9. Red Hill Cellar and Pantry
Pack the car with bright, fresh peninsula produce and gourmet local goodies from the pantry shelves. Revive yourself with a coffee on the sunny deck.
10. Mornington Peninsula Brewery
Enjoy one of Mornington’s award-winning brews, with eight styles on tap. The beer garden is the place for two- and four-legged buddies to bond over a pint and a pizza.
PET-FRIENDLY LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Anchor Beach Retreat is just one of our stunning properties that will consider a pet for your stay. Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your pet-stay requirements and we will be happy to help you accommodate this important family member. Check-out our pet-friendly properties